Nestled at the base of Ság Hill (Ság-hegy), surrounded by the rolling volcanic landscapes of Vas County, the Buti Pálinka Distillery uses sun-ripened, handpicked fruit from its Vönöck (Vönöck) orchard to craft aromatic, deeply flavorful pálinka. For anyone seeking authentic flavor, these are not just drinks—they are expressions of the Hungarian terroir.
Family Tradition Meets Modern Craft
The story of the Buti Distillery began in 2002 as a modest family-run contract distilling operation in the tiny village of Vönöck (Vönöck), just five miles from Celldömölk (Celldömölk). Thanks to expert knowledge, top-tier technology, and unwavering integrity, their circle of loyal patrons expanded rapidly. Over the years, continuous upgrades brought in more distillation systems—always with a commitment to traditional “small-pot” (kisüsti) techniques. In 2013, Buti made a bold move: they started bottling and selling their own branded pálinka. Their quest for perfection blends the four classical elements—earth, fire, water, and air—into every bottle. That is the essence of Buti Pálinka.
The Pálinka Lineup: Classics and Curiosities
Buti’s selection caters to every palate. Their fruit spirits include classics like Williams pear (Vilmos körte), sour cherry (meggy), sweet cherry (cseresznye), apricot (barack), plum (szilva), pear (körte), and apple (alma). Fans of the unusual can try their black currant (fekete ribizli), rosehip (csipkebogyó), sloe (kökény), wild sour cherry (vadmeggy), wild apple (vadalma), whitebeam (berkenye), raspberry (málna), wild pear (vadkörte), blackberry (szeder), wild cherry (vadcseresznye), wild plum (vad szilva), rowan (madárberkenye), hawthorn (galagonya), elderberry (bodza), and quince (birs) pálinka. Beyond pálinka, sample their specialty spirits such as “Fragrance of Forests and Meadows,” “Elderberry,” and even a pumpkin distillate. Wine lovers are not left out either, as grape pálinkas like Cserszegi Fűszeres (Cserszegi Fűszeres) and Irsai Olivér (Irsai Olivér) are available.
Staying Local: Where Peace Meets Nature
Guests flock to this region not only for the spirits but also for the tranquility. Above Somlószőlős (Somlószőlős), the estate offers panoramic views over the peaceful village. The buildings stand on the foundations of old winepress houses, once owned by locals and now tastefully integrated into a destination that also serves as a meeting point for residents and visitors alike. For those seeking a getaway close to nature, this is ideal.
The Adél Apartment in Sárvár (Sárvár) is located near the city center in a quiet suburban area. This one-bedroom flat, complete with living room, bathroom, and kitchen, is just over a mile from the famous thermal bath.
Sárvár’s hotels are well situated: one is next to the arboretum, just a ten-minute stroll from the Sárvár Spa and city center. The Berill Suites are even closer—directly across from the bathing complex, offering modern, spacious apartments fully outfitted for comfort. With accommodation for up to eight people, these are favorites among larger families and groups of friends. Guests can expect American-style kitchens, balconies, AC, TV, WiFi, and secure parking.
Culinary Highlights and Wine Trails
Dining out is just as rich an experience. Converted mansions in village centers serve as welcoming inns and bistros, many with gardens overlooking dramatic Ság Hill (Ság-hegy) and Hercseg (Hercseg). In the evenings, the illuminated chapel offers a cinematic backdrop. These restaurants also operate as cozy three-star guesthouses, perfect for resting after a day of pálinka tasting.
Rábaköz’s (Rábaköz) storybook castle, about 28 miles from Győr (Győr), stands as the centerpiece of a peaceful village amid a one-hectare park. Newlyweds, families, business travelers, and wedding parties will all find the ideal setting here. Expect thoughtful service, a friendly atmosphere, and wellness amenities—including indulgent spa treatments and iconic Sárvár thermal water.
For something more rustic, two-bed rooms, a family suite, a studio, and an apartment are available directly opposite the spa, just steps from adventure parks, lakes, castles, and arboretums. The shared kitchenette always offers free tea and coffee as well as a microwave, toaster, kettle, and espresso machine. Limited private parking is available.
Pairing Drink with Adventure
Craving local wine and strudel after your pálinka? A visit to Ság Hill (Ság-hegy) or the Heart Cellar (Szív Pince) in Celldömölk (Celldömölk) is a must, where you can taste wines from Ság and Somló (Somló). Don’t miss the Kemenes Volcano Park (Kemenes Vulkán Park): Hungary’s only volcanology exhibit, just a ten-minute marked walk from the Heart Cellar.
The Bogdán Estate (Bogdán Birtok) on Somló (Somló) offers wine tastings and hosts events year-round. Enjoy breathtaking views from the covered terrace, which shelters up to 80 people in summer shade, or, in winter, the 50-person oven-heated dining hall. Guests can pair goulash, wine snacks, and grilled dishes with the estate’s own vintages, and the wine shop is open throughout the year—a blend of tradition and world-class standards.
All the Flavors of the Region Await
Traditional Hungarian tastes, friendly service, and a stunning natural setting: these are what distinguish Somló (Somló) and Ság Hill (Ság-hegy). Families run cozy wine houses with four double rooms for guests, expandable to sleep thirteen if needed. Thanks to a network of local partner guesthouses, gatherings of any size can be accommodated. Visit the Dénes Estate (Dénes Hegybirtok) to experience the volcanic character of Ság Hill wines—tastings and tours are available by appointment or from the comfort of your own home via their webshop.
Whether you are searching for the finest Hungarian pálinka, a country retreat, a fiery slice of local cuisine, or a glass of distinctive volcanic wine, this region of Vas County invites you to slow down and savor every moment.
